this has been beaten to death with you on the other forums...i doubt youll follow this but hopefully someone else reading this wanting discus will...
Never said you HAVE to have an aquaclear on your tank. look at the flow going through that one filter you have (i know i use them on 20g breeders). they dont even put out half what an AC mini does. if your stuck using those little dual sponges, at least 3 in that tank. ideally, a couple bigger hydro sponges. and you wont need that bubble bar
Ideally, pull out the guppies and bristlenose. there shouldnt be any algea in there period for the bn to feed on. if you gotta leave it, feed it algea wafers. your saying you do 50% changes one day, 75% the next, even saw you say 95% daily on simply. for those fish when you get adequate filtration 60% daily should be more than sufficient until they're 4"+ (body only
). nitrates shouldnt go above 10ppm between wc's, ideally never above 5ppm
take paper towels, wipe down every surface in that tank. sides, lids and bottom. let all the crud settle then siphon it off the bottom. SQUEEZE your sponges clean, no layers of crap
Feed less. your feeding beefheart, a very high protien food. overfeeding and letting it sit in the tank. it doesnt matter if you siphon it, all that BH sitting on the bottom for half an hour is still fouling your water. start by just feeding what they eat and dont leave it to just dissolve into the water. the fish werent eating it in the morning, there no point dumping another load in the afternoon, or again in the evening and just sihponing it down the drain
the only thing you need is 2 more dual sponges and some attention to the tank. your not buying the whole store
ok i swear im leaving this time